Adopt-A-Family makes Christmas merry for families and seniors

Upper Des Moines Opportunity’s Adopt-A-Family program is well underway, with over half of the families and all of the seniors already adopted.

The program matches generous individuals, businesses clubs, classrooms and church groups with those less fortunate in our community, to provide a Christmas experience they might otherwise not have.

“These are people with low income or those having a difficult time,” says UDMO Specialist Sherri Nelsen. All the families are from Buena Vista County and live at less than 150% of the poverty level.

This year’s list started at 156 families and 33 seniors. Now only 23 families are left. People have been charitable!

The Storm Lake Times Pilot will update the list — in print and online — until all have been adopted.

How to adopt

a family:

1. Choose a family or senior. Note the code number

2. Call UDMO at 712-732-1757, Monday and Thursday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. or Tuesday and Wednesday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. to report the number of the family chosen. UDMO will provide more specific information on the family or email Sherri Nelsen at snelsen@udmo.com

3. Go shopping! Needed are non-perishable foods to make a holiday meal special, or a gift certificate for groceries. Many donors also choose to include gifts for children, clothing, a card of well wishes or some other personal touch.

4. Wrap and deliver. Your gifts can be placed in a box or bag labeled on each side with the code number of the family. Drop items off at UDMO in Storm Lake between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. by Dec. 20. Volunteers will make sure the family gets it by Christmas. 

Adopt-A-Family list:

#78 Girl 15, Girl 6

#85 Boy 17

#94 Boy 16, Boy 10, Boy 8, Girl 10 months

#97 Boy 17, Boy 10, Boy 8

#99 Boy 16

#100 Boy 15, Girl 9, Girl 5

#113 Boy 14, Boy 12, Boy 10

#118 Boy 17, Boy 12, Boy 11, Boy 8, Girl 7

#121 Girl 14, Girl 12, Girl 11

#123 Boy 10, Girl 4

#124 Boy 12

#127 Boy 12, Girl 9, Girl 5, Girl 3, Girl 6 months

#129 Girl 7, Boy 5

#131 Boy 8, Girl 7

#136 Girl 15

#137 Boy 18, Boy 16, Boy 15, Girl 11, Girl 1

#138 Boy 7

#139 Boy 13

#143 Boy 17, Girl 16, Girl 15, Boy 12

#145 Girl 16, Girl 15, Boy 12, Girl 8 months

#146 Girl 18, Girl 2, Girl 6 months

#147 Boy 18, Boy 15, Girl 13, Boy 4

#154 Boy 16, Girl 14, Girl 12, Girl 11, Boy 9